Description
Golden, bubbly Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash halves filled with creamy chicken and spinach mixture, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
For the Squash:
- 2 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Filling:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Squash Heat your oven to 400°F. These squash can be stubborn to cut – if yours is rock hard, microwave it for 3-4 minutes first. Cut lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, then brush with olive oil and season. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 30-35 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Cook the Chicken While the squash roasts, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Make the Sauce Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Season Add chicken back to the skillet with half the parsley. Simmer 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stuff the Squash When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred flesh into strands, leaving some attached to the skin for structure. Mix some chicken mixture into the strands, then top with more filling. Sprinkle with extra parmesan.
7. Final Bake Return stuffed squash to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with remaining parsley.
Notes
Cutting hack: Rock-hard squash? Microwave 3-4 minutes first – saves your wrists and your sanity
Spinach timing: Fresh spinach wilts in 30 seconds flat – blink and you’ll miss it
Doneness test: Fork should slide through squash like butter – no resistance means it’s ready
Smooth sauce: Room temperature cream cheese mixes way better than cold – trust me on this one
Garlic lovers: I use 8 cloves instead of 6 because why not live a little?
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasted and Baked
- Cuisine: American